I was born and raised in The Netherlands and moved to Canada at the age of twelve. Throughout my childhood and even now, my parents continuously encouraged me to travel and learn as much about the world we live in as I could. I actively seek challenges, whether academic or personal to reach new adventures. This worldly passion motivated me to pursue a dual degree in Business and Political Science. I am interested in learning more about how business and countries can apply their capabilities to enhance responsible practices in promoting sustainability.

What is your personal definition of sustainability?

I believe that sustainability defines the responsibility that governments, business, organizations, and individuals have to find the balance between meeting our current needs without compromising the ability for others–current and future generations–to have the resources needed to live with a good quality of life. We are responsible for ensuring our mark on the planet is as positive as possible. Whether this means reducing our ecological footprint, developing an understanding of community and societal impact, or implement federal and international sustainable initiatives. The varying interpretations of sustainability allow for different priorities and commitments to develop.

What role do you see sustainability playing in your professional career?

While I do not have specific expectations on where my professional career will take me, I know that sustainability will play a significant role in my career-related decisions. As someone who is interested in the intersection of political science and business, I want my future roles to not only be at companies which prioritize and understand corporate sustainability responsibilities but at companies which are actively motivated to innovate and pursue solutions to enhance these sustainable practices.

My previous academic and professional experiences have shown me the many faces of sustainability. When I interned at McDonald’s as an International Corporate Relations Intern, it became prevalent how much consumers value what companies are doing to promote sustainability, and this pressure is felt on a corporate level–an exciting change on a larger level, which only seems to become more important. As the digital editor for Western’s Fashion and Lifestyle Magazine “Volta”, my articles have surrounded the idea of fashion from a sustainable perspective. Fashion’s increasingly large ecological footprint is a prime example of an unsustainable practice. As someone who is interested in working in this industry, innovation and strategy needs to be at the forefront of change.

What sustainability projects have you been engaged in?

Sustainability can present itself in so many unique ways, which means that we have an opportunity to contribute to sustainable practices in infinite amounts of ways as well. In2016, I completed a trip to Costa Rica where I learned about the importance of a country’s commitment to sustainability. In Costa Rica, I learned about the benefits of renewable energy at Lake Arenal, volunteered at a coffee plantation that stored methane gas to operate machinery, and learned about governmental sustainability.

After Costa Rica, I was motivated to use my capabilities to contribute to the sustainability movement. I wrote an article for Toronto Global about The Knowledge Society, a non-profit committed to providing young students with tools needed to disrupt and promote sustainability in the STEM environment. Additionally, I used my writing skills to promote sustainability in the fashion industry through Volta Magazine at Western University. This past summer, I volunteered at a COVID-19vaccination clinic, where I was exposed to sustainability in the health care environment, and how medical equality is another concern which will keep growing in the face of sustainable challenges. This variety of exposure has made me more motivated to pursue a sustainability certificate.